Nova Launcher Developer Announces Major Layoffs, Founder Remains Sole Developer
Nova Launcher, one of Android's most popular homescreen customization apps (source: Android Authority), has laid off nearly its entire team, leaving only founder Kevin Barry as the full-time developer. The layoffs were implemented by parent company Branch, marking a significant shift in the app's operations.
Impact on Development and Operations
Kevin Barry, Nova Launcher's original creator and primary developer, confirmed he will maintain control over the app's direction and development despite the workforce reduction. The app will continue its collaboration with Branch, though the exact nature of this ongoing partnership remains unclear.
"I've always been the lead and primary contributor to Nova Launcher and that hasn't changed," Barry stated in his announcement. "I will continue to control the direction and development of Nova Launcher."
Historical Context and Team Evolution
Prior to these layoffs, Nova Launcher operated with a core team of three members:
- Kevin Barry – Founder and primary developer
- Cliff – Customer support manager
- Rob – Contracted developer who later joined through Branch
The app's development initially began with Barry as the sole team member before expanding after Branch's acquisition. This recent downsizing effectively returns the operation to its original single-developer structure.
Future Outlook and User Impact
The restructuring presents several important considerations for Nova Launcher's extensive user base. Development continuity remains assured with Barry maintaining his leadership role, though the pace of updates may adjust to accommodate the reduced team size. The departure of dedicated support staff could potentially impact user assistance response times.
The loss of specialized team members may influence certain aspects of the app's evolution, but Barry's continued guidance suggests the fundamental user experience will remain stable. Users can anticipate ongoing development of core features, though the implementation timeline for new capabilities may require adjustment.
The launcher's extensive customization options and robust feature set will continue to evolve under Barry's experienced direction, maintaining its position as a leading Android customization tool while adapting to the new organizational structure.
